Meet EnSafer Kristal Happel, PE! Kristal is a talented engineer with nine years of experience across both public and private sectors. Kristal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to EnSafe, specializing in a broad range of engineering services. Her background includes conducting due diligence for potential projects, developing concept plans, and preparing preliminary engineering designs.
She is skilled in navigating regulatory processes, including TxDOT permit applications, plat applications, and solid waste permitting. Kristal’s technical capabilities span paving, grading, drainage, water, and wastewater design, as well as landfill design and wastewater treatment plant design. She also has extensive experience preparing and reviewing construction documents for both commercial and residential developments, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
We recently had the opportunity to connect with Kristal and learn more about her journey at EnSafe, her passion for engineering, and the projects she’s most excited about.
Q: What types of projects do you work on at EnSafe, and which ones have been the most rewarding?
A: I work on several different types of projects, mostly gas and oilfield waste facility permitting and design. I particularly enjoy grading & drainage design and producing site layouts because I can be creative and really transform a site. It’s fun to see a site develop in Civil 3D and then in real life!
Q: Can you describe your current role at EnSafe and what a typical day looks like for you?
A: Currently, I am the lead technical engineer on the projects I work on. A typical day includes designing site layouts, grading & drainage design, putting permit & construction plan packages together, reviewing drawings, and solving problems that come up during design.
Q: What inspired you to become an engineer?
A: My dad was an engineer! Like him, I excelled in math, science, and problem-solving. Engineering seemed to be the best career path for me to follow.
Q: Can you share a little about your journey to becoming an engineer?
A: I graduated from Texas A&M in December of 2000 and worked for two years for a municipality as a graduate engineer. After my second son was born, I left the workforce to care for my family. About 10 years later, I gradually stepped back into the world of engineering. I worked part-time at a small civil engineering firm and then eased back into full-time work. About 10 years after that, I received my PE license. It’s been a long journey, but it’s been worthwhile!
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